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43 Things About New Mexico You Probably Didn’t Know4 min read

BySanta Fe Daily

These are some surprising facts about New Mexico that even we didn’t know!

  1. New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the United States.
  2. The state is known as the “Land of Enchantment” due to its stunning natural beauty and rich history.
  3. New Mexico was admitted to the Union as the 47th state on January 6, 1912.
  4. The state’s capital is Santa Fe, which is the highest capital city in the United States at an elevation of 7,199 feet.
  5. The largest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque, which is home to the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
  6. The official state flower is the Yucca flower, and the state tree is the Piñon Pine.
  7. The state bird is the roadrunner, which can run up to 20 miles per hour.
  8. New Mexico is home to 23 Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States.
  9. The state has a rich history of mining, with significant deposits of copper, gold, and silver.
  10. White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world.
  11. New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state in the United States.
  12. The state is home to numerous national parks and monuments, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
  13. The famous artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived and worked in New Mexico for many years, and her home and studio are now open to the public.
  14. New Mexico is home to the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, Taos Pueblo, which has been inhabited for over 1,000 years.
  15. Roswell, New Mexico is famous for the alleged UFO crash that occurred in 1947, and the city has become a hub for UFO enthusiasts.
  16. New Mexico is the only state in the United States that has an official state question: “Red or green?”
  17. The state is known for its unique cuisine, which blends Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. Dishes like green chile stew, posole, and sopapillas are local favorites.
  18. The state is home to numerous hot springs, including Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, which has been in operation for over 150 years.
  19. The Albuquerque International Sunport is the largest airport in New Mexico and serves over 6 million passengers each year.
  20. The state is home to numerous film and TV productions, including the popular TV series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
  21. New Mexico has a diverse population, with a significant percentage of residents of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo heritage.
  22. The state has a rich tradition of rodeo and Western culture, and the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta features rodeo events and Western-style entertainment.
  23. The state is home to numerous colleges and universities, including the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University.
  24. The state is known for its stunning sunsets, which are often accompanied by dramatic thunderstorms.
  25. New Mexico has a low population density, with just over 2 million residents spread across its vast landscape.
  26. The state has a thriving craft beer industry, with numerous breweries and taprooms throughout the state.
  27. The state’s official state cookie is the biscochito, a traditional cookie flavored with cinnamon and anise. If you want to sample one of our favorites, try Celina’s Biscochitos
  28. New Mexico is home to numerous ghost towns, including the abandoned mining town of Mogollon.
  29. The state is home to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which takes place every October.
  30. New Mexico is the birthplace of the atomic bomb. The world’s first nuclear weapon was detonated at the Trinity Site in southern New Mexico in 1945.
  31. The state has a thriving wine industry, with numerous vineyards and wineries located throughout the state.
  32. The state has the highest percentage of Hispanic residents of any state in the United States, with over 47% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
  33. The state has a rich tradition of folk art, including retablos, tinwork, and pottery.
  34. New Mexico is home to the Rio Grande, one of the longest rivers in North America.
  35. The state is known for its unique architecture, including adobe buildings, kivas, and Spanish colonial-style structures.
  36. The state is home to numerous national forests, including the Carson National Forest and the Gila National Forest.
  37. New Mexico is one of the few states in the United States that still has a true cowboy culture, with many ranches and rodeos throughout the state.
  38. The state has a rich tradition of Native American art, including jewelry, textiles, and pottery.
  39. New Mexico is home to numerous historic sites, including the Santa Fe Plaza, the San Miguel Mission, and the Palace of the Governors.
  40. The state has a thriving aerospace industry, with numerous companies and research facilities located throughout the state.
  41. The state has a rich tradition of chili peppers, and the New Mexico green chili pepper is one of the state’s most famous exports.
  42. The state is home to numerous hot springs and mineral baths, including the famous Jemez Springs and the Gila Hot Springs.
  43. New Mexico is one of the best places in the United States to stargaze, thanks to its high elevation, clear skies, and lack of light pollution.

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